Parents don’t realise dental care is free for children

A third of parents don’t realise dental care is free for children, a new survey has revealed.

The survey, carried out by Mydentist, found that the British public is reluctant to visit the dentist due to a host of misconceptions over the cost of dental care.

Nearly half (48%) of respondents didn’t realise under-19s in full time education also receive free dental care and 43% didn’t realise pregnant women or those who have given birth in the past year are also entitled to free treatment.

‘Despite oral health improving in children in recent decades, the number one reason for hospital admissions remains tooth decay, even though children receive free treatment.

‘We need to raise awareness among parents so that children are taken to the dentist regularly to prevent problems developing.

‘Simple things like painting fluoride on children’s teeth from an early age twice a year can make a real difference, while regular visits to the dentist should be a given.’

Visiting the dentist

Over a quarter (27%) of Brits haven’t visited the dentist in the past two years, survey also found.

This is because the public believes they cannot afford it, waiting lists are too long or they don’t realise they can get NHS treatment.

Worryingly, 9% of those questioned never visit a dentist at all.

‘Even among adults, we see millions not taking advantage of treatment they are entitled to cost free, or paying for private treatment because of a misconception that waiting lists are excessively long,’ Steve Williams continued.

’15 May marks the start of National Smile Month so we want to raise awareness of the importance of good oral health.’

Key findings

Of those not currently receiving any dental care, nearly half (47%)thought it was too expensive or they couldn’t afford it

A further onein five (22%) currently opt for private dental care and, of those, 45% revealed they only went private because they thought they would have to wait too long for an NHS appointment, or wouldn’t get one at all in their area

More than onein five (22%) of those who receive private dental care wrongly think that they can’t access NHS treatment at all because they don’t receive benefits

A quarter (24%) of Brits are unhappy with the dental care they currently receive.

Seb Evans

Author at Dentistry.co.uk

Seb moved to FMC at the start of 2014. He is the editor of dentistry.co.uk, assistant editor of Dentistry magazine and editor of Dentistry Scotland.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01923 851751

In your Key Findings you do not state that in some areas of the UK you cannot see an NHS dentist no matter how hard you try as they are full & there isn’t enough of them – that includes children too !!
In my town in Cumbria there are NONE available. Perhaps it’s time after studying & training with the NHS dentists paid the NHS back by working for them rather than setting up private practices & charging a small fortune!!

My grandson is nearly 4 cleans his teeth but cannot get access to a de tist even travelling out of the area . I think it should be an automatic right for children. So he will never get the floride offered. Also it is better to have happy visits before real treatment is ever needed. I myself have just had an appt cancelled when asked why they said the dentist was too busy this app was made 9mths ago now it’s Feb 2019 but someone else kill obviously be attending.

My Private (Denplan) Dentist use to offer NHS treatment for children but has now said that as the dentist who was registered with the NHS has left, this is no longer an option and either they will have to find a new NHS dentist or pay privately. Both children are autistic and change, as you know, is fraught with difficulties. Is there another option?